Seattle Reign vs. Portland Thorns: The Cascadia Rivalry Made Easy

Getting Ready for the Big Home Return

The Seattle Reign are finally playing at their own home field for the first time since May 15.
Here’s why they were away:

• The women’s soccer league took a break (hiatus) so players could rest or watch the men’s World Cup (a giant tournament where countries send their best men’s teams).
• Last weekend, they went on a road trip (traveling to play away) to North Carolina to face the Courage.

What Happened in the Last Games?

Seattle Reign’s tough trip to North Carolina:

• Sally Menti scored her first goal of the season very early, giving Seattle a lead.
• Only three minutes later, the Courage scored too, so the game was tied.
• In the second half, the referee gave North Carolina a penalty (a special close‑range kick because of a rule break). They scored, and Seattle lost 1‑3.

Portland Thorns’ strong return:

• Last Sunday, Portland played Racing Louisville and won 4‑0.
• A “shut out” means the other team scored zero goals — Portland didn’t let Louisville score at all!

The History Between These Teams (The Cascadia Clash)

This is a special local rivalry called the Cascadia Clash (teams from the green, rainy Pacific Northwest).

• All‑time record: Seattle has 16 wins, 18 losses, 10 ties against Portland.
• At Seattle’s home: 9 wins, 6 losses, 6 ties.
• Their last win vs Portland was on April 18, 2025: a 1‑0 victory with the only goal by Maddie Dahlien in the 4th minute.
• In Week 2 of this season, Portland won 2‑0 even though they had two players sent off with red cards (kicked out). Seattle wants to do better this time.

Important: This match is called “the best rivalry in women’s soccer” and is back at Lumen Field on Sunday. You can read more in this match preview.

Keys to the Game (How Seattle Can Win)

Think of these as secret tips for the team:

• Prevent chances for Sophia Wilson: Don’t let her get open to shoot.
• Be ruthless in the box (the scoring area): In the last Portland game, Seattle sent in 49 crosses (balls kicked from the side into the middle) and took 17 shots (kicks toward goal). Portland handled it well, but small tweaks could help Seattle score.
• Lock down the midfield machine and be clinical on set piece defense: Control the middle of the field and be sharp when the ball is stopped for free kicks or corners.

Team News: New Players and Moves

• Portland signed Dutch midfielder Nina Nijstad from PSV Eindhoven Vrouwen (a Dutch club). She came through the Dutch youth national team system and has 4 caps (games for the senior national team) and 2 goals. The summer transfer window (the time teams can officially add players) opens Tuesday, July 14, so she cannot play Sunday.
• Portland transferred forward Mimi Alidou to the Montreal Roses (a team in the Northern Super League) for an unknown fee. She is from Montreal, joined Portland in 2025, and played 32 games for them.
• This match is on track to be the 4th‑highest attended in Reign club history at Lumen Field!

Who’s Hurt or Missing? (Injuries, Absences, Suspensions)

Important Callout: Some key Reign players are still out, but Jess Fishlock might return! Shae Holmes and Claudia Dickey are training but day‑to‑day; Madison Curry is out with an ankle injury.

Seattle Reign:

• OUT: Lynn Biyendolo (maternity leave – having a baby), Madison Curry (ankle), Claudia Dickey (ankle), Shae Holmes (knee)
• QUESTIONABLE: Jess Fishlock (lower leg). She was hurt on April 26 vs Utah Royals. Coach Laura Harvey said Saturday morning that a decision would come after Saturday training. Good news: Fishlock is listed as a substitute and available!
• INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Sofia Cedeño (US U‑20 WNT – under‑20 women’s national team), Evan O’Steen (US U‑20 WNT)

Portland Thorns:

• OUT: Morgan Weaver (knee – SEI = season‑ending injury), Caiya Hanks (knee – SEI), Bella Bixby (knee – SEI), Julie Dufour (knee – SEI), Reilyn Turner (knee)
• QUESTIONABLE: None
• INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Valerin Loboa (U‑20 Colombia WNT)

How the Teams Are Doing Lately (Form)

• Reign: Last five results: L‑L‑W‑L‑L. Overall: 4 wins, 6 losses, 2 ties, goal difference ‑5 (let in 5 more than scored), 12th place.
• Thorns: Last five: D‑W‑L‑D‑W. Overall: 8 wins, 3 losses, 3 ties, goal difference +10, 2nd place.

Match Officials (The Referees)

• REF: Abdou Ndiaye
• AR1: Jennifer Garner
• AR2: Seth Martin
• 4TH: Justin St. Pierre
• VAR: Corbyn May (video assistant referee who watches screens to help)

How to Watch (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Date & Kickoff: Sunday, July 11th, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.
2. Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA (the Reign’s home stadium).
3. Broadcast: ESPN channel, with commentators Jacqui Oatley & Jordan Angeli.
4. Free Stream? No — in the US it is not available to stream for free.

Lineups and Social Media Buzz

The teams posted on a social media site (Bluesky) about the lineups:

• Seattle Reign FC (posted July 12, 2026, 12:01 PM):
  “45th edition of the Cascadia Rivalry loading Lineup Notes rgnfc.com/3TgLok5”
• Portland Thorns FC (posted July 12, 2026, 12:20 PM):
  “Rose City > Emerald City ESPN”
  (Rose City = Portland, Emerald City = Seattle)

These show it’s the 45th meeting of the rivals.

Highlights and Joining the Fun

• Highlights will be posted as the match progresses.
• Fans can join the discussion in the Discord gamethread (Supporter tier and above) or in the comments below.
• This is Seattle Reign vs. Portland Thorns — watch with us!
• Note: Sounder at Heart receives a portion of all sales made from links on this page.

Summary

The Seattle Reign return home to Lumen Field to face their biggest rivals, the Portland Thorns, on Sunday July 11 at 1 PM PT on ESPN. Seattle lost 1‑3 last week in North Carolina; Portland won 4‑0. History slightly favors Portland (16‑18‑10 all‑time), but Seattle won the last meeting in 2025. Key injuries hit both sides, though Jess Fishlock may be back on the bench. Seattle must stop Sophia Wilson, finish chances from crosses, and defend set pieces. A huge crowd is expected for this Cascadia Clash — the best rivalry in women’s soccer!

FAQ

Q1: What is the Cascadia Rivalry?
A: It’s the name for matches between soccer clubs from the Pacific Northwest (like Seattle, Portland, Vancouver). Seattle vs Portland is called the Cascadia Clash and is considered one of the best in women’s soccer.

Q2: Why can’t new signing Nina Nijstad play?
A: The official transfer window (when teams can add players) doesn’t open until July 14, so even though she signed, she is not allowed to play on Sunday.

Q3: What does “shut out” mean?
A: It means one team prevents the other from scoring any goals, like Portland did in their 4‑0 win.

Q4: How can I watch the game for free in the US?
A: You can’t — the match is on ESPN and there is no free US stream.

Q5: What is a “set piece”?
A: It’s a play that starts from a stopped ball, such as a free kick or corner kick. Teams often have special plans for these moments.